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Sedgemoor District Council has put has made this plea while reminding people to stay alert, to control the virus, and save lives.

Although the Government eased some of lockdown measures on Wednesday (May 13), people are still reminded to stay at home.

While the council has issued 'don't visit us' plea, the council is nonetheless prepared for visits and is now urging people to take extra care when visiting Burnham-on-Sea beach, Berrow Beach, and more.

The council statement reads: "Whilst some travel restrictions have been relaxed, Sedgemoor District Council is asking anyone who is considering coming to Sedgemoor’s beaches or beauty spots to be considerate to our communities.

Coronavirus latest

"At the beaches and parks, there are no safety staff/beach wardens/lifeguards on duty.

"Social distancing measures continue to apply - please observe these at all times for your safety and the safety of communities and businesses.

Beaches and Parks

"Whilst the beach is available for exercise, the advice is that Social distancing measures continue to apply. You can only with people from your household or one other person whilst staying two metres apart. At Burnham-on-Sea beach, there are no safety staff/beach wardens/lifeguards on duty. Play areas/playgrounds within parks remain closed.

Food and Drink

"The majority of visitor facilities including hospitality facilities remain closed, apart from some takeaway services from a few premises.

Toilets

"Toilets are open, mainly to provide handwashing facilities – there is signage to remind people to socially distance if queueing."

Berrow Beach Access Road

"The gates will remain locked, as there are no safety staff/wardens on duty to help any visitors who may get into trouble from parking on the beach. It is possible to walk onto the beach via footpaths from the road.

Accommodation and second homes

"Going on holiday and visiting second homes is still not permitted. Campsites, holiday parks, hotels, bed and breakfasts, and other holiday accommodation will remain closed, except when providing accommodation for specific reasons, such as for critical workers needing a place to stay for work. Overnight stays in camper vans are not permitted."

In Dorset, the county's leaders have asked the public to use common sense and to ‘think twice’ before rushing to Dorset.

Public services in Dorset are appealing to visitors not to flout the new guidance by travelling unnecessarily to the county.

Director of Public Health for Dorset and BCP Council Sam Crowe said: “The government’s advice is clear, we need to stay at home as much as possible and limit contact with other people. It’s not a green light to flock in huge numbers to Dorset’s local beauty spots.

“As the Prime Minister made clear, we still need to do everything possible to allow our NHS to recover and continue to provide essential treatment and services.”

Dorset Council Leader Spencer Flower said: “Our overriding priority is the safety and wellbeing of Dorset residents. We want to discourage people from outside the county and from areas with a higher rate of infection than Dorset from visiting our beaches and beauty spots, and inadvertently spreading the virus to local people.”

Chief Constable James Vaughan, of Dorset Police, added: “The efforts of the public over the past weeks have meant our officers have rarely had to enforce the Government regulations – thank you for playing your part in this.

“As many of us are now able to spend much more time outdoors, each of us needs to take responsibility for doing that within the restrictions set out by the Government. The public is being asked to think and do the right thing.

“We enforce the law and not government guidance so we have no role in enforcing social distancing, wearing of masks, or avoiding public transport.

“We still have a role where people are gathering in large groups with those not in their household - as this is not legally permitted in the regulations.

“We will use common sense and discretion to determine what’s reasonable.

"Our officers will continue to engage with the public, explain the regulations and guidance and encourage people to follow what is being asked of them. Enforcement is a very last resort.”